Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-12-12
THE ATTEMPT ON FERRY,s LIFE.
It has Caused n Serious split Among
the Republicans-The Assassins Rec-
ord.

Jules Ferry, the French statesman, who was
wounded by an assassin In the lobby OF the cham
Der OF deputies on saturday. was able TO leave his
bed sunday morning, but at midnight last night
his condition was less favorable During the day
he received thousands OF letters and cards express
ing sympathy, and a large number OF senators
| and deputies OF all parties called in person.
Aubertin, or Berckheim, the assassin was ex.
amined before the judge Construction Sunday.
| He had lost none OF his determination, and boldly
declared that, although he was an anti-revolu-
ZIONIST, he was sorry his lack OF skill had pre-
vented the accomplishment OF his purpose to kill
NJ. Ferry. Others, however, would succeed in
doing what he had failed to do.
From papers found on Berckheim and statements
made by him to the police after his arrest, or
rather rescue from the legislators who would have
sassin belonged to a band OF twenty revoutionists
who resolved on the removal" OF Ferry and Goblet
who were regarded as standing in the way OF the
patriotic ministry. Accordingly lots were drawn
at meeting on Friday night, and 1t fell TO Berck-
complete, whose name Is not made public TO kill
NJ. Goblet In pursuance OF this murderous con-
spiracy, the revOlutiOnists, armed with revolvers
presented themselves at the Palais Bourbon Satur,
day afternoon and requested 10 see MN. Ferry and
Goblet There was nothing In their appearance
for ordinary applicants for minor government po-
stiOns.
Ferry answered the summons, but Goblet did
not. No sooner had he appeared than Berckhem
fired three shots point blank in rapid succession.
one penetrated the ex-premier's clothing and
passed along his chest, only producing an abra-
sion, and another struck him on the right side,
near the lowest rib and caused confusion. The
reports caused the immediate interruption OF all
business Deputies and officials rushed into the
hall, and while one party attended to NJ Ferry the
other subjected his asSailant 10 very rough usage
Berckheim cried: 81 am a Lorrainer! / am a
Lorralner!" as he was being led OF by the police.
The papers found on him confirm his statements
regarding the revolutionary conspiracy, but he Is
believed 10 be insane. He is twenty years old, a
resident OF Paris, and OF no occupation. He is
native OF Rombach, in Mosee. His companion
disappeared in the excitement and whispered TO
Berckheim that he had dropped his revolver and
consequently could not shoot VI. Goblet. 1t Is
expected that he will be arrested.
In consequence OF the attempt upon the life OF
NJ. Ferry there were many heated quarrels In the
l0bbies OF the chamber OF deputies between
mOderates and radicals. NJ Rouvier joined in the
discussion, accusing the radicals OF provoking
weak-minded persons to deeds OF violence. Sew
eral scuffeS ensued, and II Is expected they Will
lead 10 duelS.
BERcKHEIN's BAD REPUTATION.
Berckheim, alias Aubertin, according to Paris
dispatches, has long borne the reputation OF being
a dIssolute fellow, whose innate depravity rem
dered him capable OF almost any reprehensible
act. He has lately lived with young woman
named GRANGER, and it is learned that just pre-
y1Ous 10 his attempt TO Kill NJ. Ferry he wrote TO
her stating MS intention and advising her In the
event OF his successful accomplishment Of his muir
derOus purpose to leave France and take refuge
with certain OF her friends residing In England.
a dOgged demeanor, refusing TO answer ques-
lions and manifestng no desire TO ask
any. his assault upon NJ. Ferry has had
the effect TO completely open the breach between
the radicals anu the conservatives, which was al
ready painfully noticeable. The conservatives are
extremely bitter against the radicals, and ascrbe
Saturdays scene in the lobby OF the chamber OF
deputies TO the daily exhibition OF venom on the
part OF the IntrdnsiQedIt and the Cri du Eeuple,
which has gradually intaIned the passions OF the
reds, until weak-minded and irresponsible persons
have been transformed from harmless imbeclleS
INTO numerous MANAGES, one thing Is absolutely
certain, and that Is that the combination OF the re-
publican groups which elected NJ. CarnOt TO the
presidency, and for few days promised TO endure
at least until the new government should get
good start, Is hOpelessly disintegrated, and the
chances are that more serious trouble than has
yet occurred will enSue.